Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on The Morning Show with John Richards, is “Starfield” by The New Division from their 2011 self-released EP The Rookie.
Moody, atmospheric, and relentlessly dreamy, The New Division are Riverside, California’s (and America’s) most likely hope for the next Joy Division or New Order. It’s not like this 4-piece is blatantly ripping off those bands either (well, except for stealing their names); however, to avid fans of both, the influences will be immediately evident -- and in a good way. In fact, you could very much label our featured song “Starfield” a shoe-gaze haters kryptonite, a song that puts so many great modern twists on the old formula that you just can’t help but fall in love with it. For a band that doesn’t even usually use a traditional drummer, I can’t imagine you not tapping your fingers or bopping your head to this song.
While there are currently no scheduled shows posted on their website, we don’t think that’s going to last long. In the meantime, be sure to catch up with the band there or on their MySpace page, where you can also listen to additional tracks.
The New Division’s John Kunkel is a talented remixer as well. Here’s his remix of Tor Y Mois “Still Sound”:
